Jari Litmanen to Fulham
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Fulham hope to sign former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Jari Litmanen on a free transfer.
The 36-year-old was Finland captain under Hodgson, but had his contract terminated at Swedish side Malmo last summer because of an ankle injury.
Litmanen, who won the European Cup with Ajax, is training with Fulham.
"We know he's got the quality. It's just a question whether the six- or eight-month lay-off has made a major difference to him," Hodgson said.
"My theory is great players don't forget how to play. If they are fit enough, they can do what they are good at.
"I am very optimistic he will be able to join us."
The Finnish Football Federation had earlier reported that the Premier League strugglers were close to finalising a deal.
"Jari has been working hard lately and he is fighting fit," Hodgson was quoted as saying by the FFF website.
Fulham have already signed Norway defender Brede Hangeland in the transfer window and have agreed a fee of £5m with Watford for striker Marlon King.
They are also reportedly still keen to sign Rangers striker Daniel Cousin, despite having a £2m bid rejected by the Glasgow club. -
A genius , forever a genius .
Malmo's lost , Fulham's gain . -
I'm very proud ..... 2 of Finland's Greatest players , Litmanen and Hyypia , ever dons a Liverpool jersey .
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houllier should have extended litmanen's contractOriginally posted by Poolman:I'm very proud ..... 2 of Finland's Greatest players , Litmanen and Hyypia , ever dons a Liverpool jersey . -
Ah Hou and Ah Ben are in the same league in disposing of players before they fit into the EPL and sticking with lousy players without disposing them.
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better pray he wont score against liverpool.
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36
why not call Andy Goram too
Niemi and Litmanen..wooo! Finns